The Cavaliers Announce 2027 Brass Caption Leadership
ROSEMONT, Ill. — The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps is pleased to share its brass education leadership team for the 2027 season.
This team is comprised of returning staff members in elevated roles. Dr. Cameron Kubos and Mike Pickrell will serve as Brass Caption Supervisors, and Ray Henricksen is returning to serve as Brass Caption Manager.
Dr. Cameron Kubos – Brass Caption Supervisor
Stepping into the role of Brass Caption Supervisor after most recently serving on the corps’ brass instructional staff during the 2026 season, Dr. Cameron Kubos is the Associate Director of Bands and Director of Athletic Bands and Spirit Groups at the University of Houston. In this role, he directs the Spirit of Houston Marching Band, Cougar Brass Basketball Bands, and conducts the Symphonic Winds. He is an alumnus of The Cavaliers, having marched 2007-2009.
Dr. Kubos earned his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in trumpet performance and conducting from the University of Houston’s Moores School of Music, studying under David Bertman, John Benzer, Eddie Green, Noe Marmolejo, Mark Hughes, Jim Vassallo, and Mark Barton. He frequently presents and conducts nationwide, including appearances at the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Convention and the CBDNA Athletic Band Symposium, and maintains an active performance schedule that includes work with the Houston Symphony.
Read More About Dr. Kubos Here
Mike Pickrell – Brass Caption Supervisor
Mike Pickrell moves into the role of Brass Caption Supervisor after most recently serving on The Cavaliers' visual instructional staff during the 2026 season. Pickrell is an alumnus of The Cavaliers (2004–2005) and previously served on the corps' brass instructional staff from 2006 to 2009.
Currently the Director of Bands at Richland High School in Richland, Texas, Pickrell has led his ensembles to continuous UIL Superior ratings, UIL State Finalist appearances, and Bands of America (BOA) Regional Championships, as well as a selection as a 2023 TMEA 5A State Honor Band Finalist. He previously served as Director of Bands for Williamstown High and Junior High School in Kentucky, where his marching band earned BOA Class A Championship titles and state finalist honors. Pickrell holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Eastern Kentucky University and maintains professional affiliations with Phi Beta Mu, TBA, TMAA, and TMEA.
Ray Henricksen – Brass Caption Manager
Ray Henricksen returns for his third consecutive season with The Cavaliers, having most recently served as the Brass Caption Assistant Manager. Henricksen currently serves as Band Director at John P. Stevens High School in Edison, New Jersey, following successful tenures at Duncanville High School and Weiss High School in Texas, where his ensembles earned straight Superior ratings and UIL State Marching Finals appearances.
Henricksen performed with The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps in 2011 and served on their brass instructional staff from 2018 through 2023. He holds a Master’s degree in Euphonium Performance from the University of North Texas, where he studied under Dr. Brian Bowman and minored in Wind Band Conducting under Eugene Corporon and Dennis Fisher. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University, where he received the Mason Gross Award for Excellence in Brass Performance.
"We are excited and honored to have Dr. Kubos, Mike, and Ray serve The Cavaliers in these highly impactful leadership roles," said Daniel Belcher, Corps Director. "These three excellent instructors bring a wealth of diverse experience, deep knowledge, connection to premier educators, and incredible character, while also bringing the consistency of having most recently all been part of our education staff. Their shared leadership will ensure our performers receive a transformative educational experience, while further pushing the boundaries of performance excellence and achievement."
More information will be shared in the future regarding other exciting staff updates, including announcements of caption instructors.
For information on auditioning for The Cavaliers in 2027, visit cavaliers.org/auditions.